Food establishment owners, mobile unit vendors and operators are reminded that having hot water is mandatory before they can obtain a food licence.

Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer, Mrs. Yolanda Penn said the Public Health (Food Hygiene Regulations) 1972 mandates that all food establishments have hot and cold water. She said the absence of hot water at an establishment will result in failure to meet minimum requirements, and delay the processing of other licences for operation including trade and liquor licences.

Mrs. Penn stated, “As we continue to ensure that all food establishments are in line with the law, we are continuing our education efforts to make sure that everyone is aware of what is legally required to promote food safety locally.”

The Chief said the division will closely observe all food handling establishments to ensure that they meet these minimum requirements. She said hot water is necessary as it aids with the sanitation process, and has been scientifically proven to be more effective at removing soil and grease. Mrs. Penn added, “In addition to water temperatures and hand sinks we will also be focusing on hot and cold units to hold foods at safe temperatures.”

The Environmental Health Division is committed to ensuring that all aspects of the environment with the potential to negatively impact health are managed efficiently to enable all persons in the BVI to attain and maintain optimal health and social well-being.